Democratic Party Reports Planned SNS Terror Attack Against Jeong Cheongrae, Requests Police Investigation

"We have requested thorough personal protection"

"Not just an expression of anger, but specific details were mentioned"

The Democratic Party of Korea has requested a police investigation after receiving reports of a planned social networking service (SNS) terror attack targeting party leader Jeong Cheong-rae.

Jeong Cheong-rae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is holding a press conference at the National Assembly on May 13, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Kang Junhyun, spokesperson for the Democratic Party’s election campaign committee, stated at a press conference at the National Assembly on May 17, "With only four days left before the official campaign period begins, we have received multiple reports that a collective terror plot is being discussed in SNS group chats. Yesterday, the party urgently requested the police to conduct a swift investigation and to provide thorough personal protection."

When asked whether the incident was related to party members in North Jeolla Province, Kang replied, "Because only user IDs are used, we cannot determine which region the individuals are from." North Jeolla Province is a battleground in the gubernatorial election between Democratic Party candidate Lee Wontak and Kim Kwan-young, who was expelled from the Democratic Party due to a 'proxy payment' controversy and is now running as an independent. Some local party members in North Jeolla Province are reportedly dissatisfied with Kim’s expulsion.

Responding to a question about whether this was an organized conspiracy, Kang said, "We decided to request an investigation because the messages went beyond simple expressions of anger to specific statements."

He further stated, "Even planning a terror attack, aside from actually carrying it out, constitutes a serious crime. We urge the authorities to promptly launch an investigation, including into those who may be behind it."

Kang also emphasized, "The fear that takes root subconsciously and forces individuals to act with caution is in itself a grave disruption to election campaigning. If these terror plots intimidate leader Jeong and restrict his activities, it amounts to political violence and intimidation that harms the future of the Republic of Korea."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.